Hello from Krakow, Poland! After a long day in airports and airplanes, we finally arrived. Immediately we were met by our lovely tour guides, Yael and Morgy (Poland only). We were eased in with a lunch of pizza and french fries, we felt right at home! After getting some rest in our hotel (which is very nice!), we ventured in to Krakow for the first time. We saw beautiful castles, old buildings, and even a fire breathing dragon…statue. After a calming “get to know you” session in a park by the river, we headed toward the festive market square of Krakow. The group got to try traditional polish food, and even enjoyed live music in the square. What an excellent way to kick off the trip!

On Tuesday we had an early start and headed out for a full day of history and excitement. Our first stop was the Jewish neighborhood of Krakow. We began at the site of the oldest synagogue in Krakow, where we sang a Micah style Happy Birthday to David Korn! We continued along to many other synagogues and a jewish cemetery. This area was so rich in history, there was something to talk about at every turn. We really began to understand what it was like to be a Jewish person living in these neighborhoods in the early 1900’s. We then transitioned to learning about later in history, venturing to the walls of the ghetto.

Switching gears, we traveled to a salt mine for a fun tour. We went 135 meters underground and learned about one of the largest salt mines in the world. There are frequent sculptures carved by the miners themselves. After the salt mine we had what we think will be one of the most meaningful moments of the trip. We got to hear from a 93 year polish woman who is honored as “righteous among the nation”, meaning that her family saved jewish people during the holocaust. The group sat in awe as she described what it was like for her as a seventeen to be helping jews, living in fear every day. After this inspiring talk, we headed back into Krakow for more traditional food! We are back in the hotel for much needed rest, as we head off to Auschwitz and Warsaw tomorrow.

We were so happy to be out of the air

For dinner, we got to explore the old town square

Waffles, gelato, and pierogies galore

I can definitely say we left wanting more

The next day we saw many places

From synagogues to salt mines, there were many spaces

If you’re waiting for pictures, don’t worry yet

We’ve got plenty coming soon, don’t you fret!

Love,

Sarah and Mike